The Queen visits the Royal British Legion Industries village
Published
Today The Queen visited the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) village to celebrate the charity’s centenary year.
The charity supports Armed Forces personnel and veterans, and their families, as well as those with a disability and people who have been long-term unemployed.
The charity provides support through accommodation, welfare, training and employment.
The Queen has today opened the new Appleton Lodge care facility in Kent and visited the Centenary Village housing projects.
The Queen also saw how residents benefit from recreational and school activities on offer, including arts and crafts, flower arranging and reading sessions.
Her Majesty met RBLI village’s eldest resident, 99-year old WWII veteran John Riggs, and his family.
Her Majesty then unveiled a plaque to officially open the facility.
Next The Queen visited the RBLI Centenary Village, to see the completed first phase of the development, which includes specially-adapted apartments for wounded former military personnel.
Her Majesty was shown plans for the next phase, which will support hundreds of ex-servicemen and women into the future.
Afterwards The Queen met village residents and staff of the on-site social enterprise, ‘Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company’ and joined a lunch celebration for the charity’s 100th anniversary.
The Queen buried a time capsule at the Centenary Village to commemorate the visit, to be opened in 100 years by future residents.
The Queen also wrote a message which was put into the time capsule which said:
"I wish to congratulate Royal British Legion Industries on their Centenary, and their support of veterans over the past 100 years.
Today is a moment of celebration, but also a time of reflection on the sacrifices the Armed Forces make in times of need.
I send my warmest best wishes to RBLI and all who support them."
The RBLI was initially set-up to provide support to wounded troops returning from the front lines of the First World War, one hundred years on the charity continues to support injured veterans and people with disabilities by providing homes, employment and holistic welfare support.
To find out more visit The RBLI.
